Transforming Waste: Hemal Nayyar’s Mission for a Sustainable Future

Hemal Nayyar masterfully blends the precision of coding and engineering with the creative expression of guitar playing, tutoring, and sketching. His dedication extends beyond personal interests to high-level callisthenics and fast-paced badminton, showcasing his resilience and versatility. Yet, it is his commitment to environmental sustainability that truly sets him apart. Hemal's project focuses on addressing the pressing issue of improper disposal of used cooking oil (UCO) in India, aiming to transform waste into valuable resources and empower communities towards sustainable practices.

The Current Situation

In India, the disposal of used cooking oil presents a significant environmental challenge. Local households commonly dispose of UCO by pouring it down drains or into the soil. This widespread practice leads to severe environmental issues. Improper disposal of UCO causes the oil to solidify, clogging drainage systems, which results in sewer backups. These blockages necessitate the use of chemicals like Sodium Hydroxide to unblock sewers, impacting both infrastructure and the environment.

The repercussions extend further as contaminated water sources become breeding grounds for waterborne diseases, posing major health risks for wildlife and humans alike. Birds, fish, and other aquatic life suffer due to oil layers on water surfaces, which disrupt their ability to fly, breathe, and photosynthesize, leading to algae blooms and the death of aquatic ecosystems.

Impact

The environmental impact of improper UCO disposal is multifaceted:

1. Infrastructure Damage: Clogged sewage systems result in expensive repairs and significant disruptions to communities.

2. Health Hazards: Contaminated water sources lead to waterborne diseases and other health issues.

3. Air Pollution: Burning used cooking oil releases pollutants, causing respiratory problems.

4. Ecosystem Disruption: Oil in water bodies leads to the death of fish and plant life, disrupting entire ecosystems.

5. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Disposing of cooking oil in landfills releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change.

Here are some striking facts and figures related to the issue:

Nearly 1000 lakes existed in Bangalore 100 years ago, As per a report by the House committee in 2021, 837 lakes in Bengaluru Urban district have vanished, with 88 lakes disappearing entirely,

Only a small fraction, around 1% of used cooking oil, is currently collected and recycled into biofuel

An estimated 200 million tons of used cooking oil are generated worldwide each year

Drainage: Improper UCO disposal leads to clogged pipes in apartments and communities, causing sewage backups and disruptions. This can be a major inconvenience. (Safeway Used Oil)

Soil and Groundwater Contamination: When cooking oil is improperly disposed of in soil, it contaminates groundwater, making it unsafe for drinking and irrigation. This contamination affects both human health and agricultural productivity. The oil can also harm local wildlife, coating the feathers of birds and the fur of mammals, leading to suffocation and hypothermia​ (Safeway Used Oil)​.

FSSAI estimates India generates around 3 million metric tons of UCO annually and 60% of it goes back to the food chain, which poses a threat to citizens' health

Water Pollution: Improper disposal of used cooking oil can severely affect water bodies. When oil is poured down drains, it travels through the sewage system and can end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans. This non-biodegradable oil forms thick layers on the water's surface, suffocating aquatic life and disrupting ecosystems​ (Safeway Used Oil)​​ (BeyondOil)​.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Disposing of cooking oil in landfills leads to the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Methane is about 28 times more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, contributing significantly to climate change​ (BeyondOil)​.

Recycling cooking oil into biodiesel helps reduce these emissions and supports the transition to renewable energy sources​ (Mopac | Used Cooking Oil Recycling)​.

UCO - Transforming Waste, Empowering Sustainability

Hemal's project aims to champion sustainability through education, community support, and innovative ventures. The project's acronym, CONSERVE, encapsulates its core values:

Current- evaluating present conditions

Overcome- changing mindsets for better practices

Neutralize- adapting to environmental shifts 

Support- empower local conservation efforts 

Educate- raising community awareness

Reach- achieving sustainability targets

Venture- Taking ambitious steps for conservation

Empower- Encourage proactive steps

Hemal's project involves multiple strategic initiatives:

Building a Platform/Website: To spread awareness and provide informative articles.

Community Service Initiative: Safely disposing of household UCO through biofuel manufacturers or soap makers.

Social Media Campaign: Leveraging platforms to educate and engage the community.

By focusing on clean water and sanitation, responsible consumption and production, and climate action, Hemal has effectively addressed critical environmental issues. His initiative has contributed to SDG 6 by promoting the proper disposal and recycling of used cooking oil, thereby protecting water sources from contamination and ensuring cleaner water for communities. In alignment with SDG 12, his project advocates for responsible consumption by encouraging households to recycle used cooking oil, transforming waste into valuable resources. Furthermore, by reducing methane emissions through the recycling of cooking oil into biodiesel, Hemal's efforts support SDG 13, taking proactive steps toward climate action and reducing the impact of greenhouse gases on our planet.

Hemal Nayyar’s innovative approach to tackling the issue of used cooking oil disposal not only addresses a critical environmental problem but also fosters a culture of sustainability and community engagement. By transforming waste into valuable resources and empowering individuals to take proactive steps, Hemal's project exemplifies the impact of combining technical expertise with a passion for environmental conservation. His efforts paved the way for a healthier planet, demonstrating the power of education, community support, and innovative solutions in overcoming environmental challenges.